Matrix Games together with 2by3 Games (www.2by3games.com) and Justin Prince Designs are pleased to deliver a new v1.205 update for the popular new wargame War Plan Orange: Dreadnoughts in the Pacific 1922 – 1930. This update is now available from the Matrix Games public FTP and the game updates section of the Matrix Games website.

The v1.205 update focuses on adding more detail to the already extraordinarily accurate database of information. A new ship type, the Armed Merchant Cruiser (AMC) has been added to the war replacing the anti-aircraft cruiser. Depth Charges have been adjusted to reflect historical values making depth charge hits more lethal while US Subs are now equipped with at least a single AA Machinegun for their surface defense. US Battleship combat range and fuel capacity has been adjusted to be more historically accurate, and thus the US Battleships have a much shorter range. These updates coupled with a host of minor updates, ship refits, and overall improvements round out the list of 56 changes included in this patch. Take control of your forces and execute War Plan Orange!

This new update is a comprehensive update, which will upgrade all previous versions of War Plan Orange to the v1.205 level.

Following World War I, The United States, fearing the worst, developed a system of plans for a potential war in the Pacific against Japan. In the real world most of these plans never saw the light of day, but in War Plan Orange: Dreadnoughts in the Pacific 1922-1930, the conflicts that the planners envisioned actually occurred.

Gone are the strategic bombers and large carrier task forces. In their place are dreadnoughts, battleships, battlecruisers and biplanes. Face off ships from World War I and the inter-war years, including (depending on the scenario) hypothetical ships such as the Battlecruiser Lexington, the 18” South Dakota Class, the British G3 and the Japanese Kii.

War Plan Orange: Dreadnoughts in the Pacific 1922-1930, from the team that brought you the critically acclaimed historical air, naval and land combat wargame War in the Pacific, puts you in control of Japan or the Allies (including The United States, Great Britain, The Commonwealth, France and the Netherlands) in a hypothetical post-World War I conflict that would have reshaped the future of the world. Enjoy the historical accuracy and meticulous attention to detail through one of the most immersive strategic and operational wargame engines ever created.

Two campaigns with three variants each as well as two smaller scenarios (eight scenarios total) cover two hypothetical wars in the decade of the 1920s.

War Plan Orange: Dreadnoughts in the Pacific 1922-1930, while using the War in the Pacific engine developed by 2by3 Games, is in itself an entirely different game with a very different combat dynamic and eight new scenarios, including multi-year campaigns, to play against the AI or by e-mail with a human opponent.

1. Assault Values for both sides are now displayed on the combat resolution screen and in the combat reports. 2. Carrier and cruiser air groups should no longer be resized by the artificial intelligence. 3. Seaplane Tenders (AVs) are now allowed in mine laying groups and will participate in mine laying operations. 4. A new ship type, the Armed Merchant Cruiser (AMC), has been added to the game. It replaces the Anti-aircraft cruiser (CLAA). It uses the old CLAA class type in the editor. In the game, it is generally defined as an attack transport, but shares the functions and abilities of both light cruiser and attack transport. It should be able to load cargo and should also be allowed into combat task forces. The computer opponent has been made aware of the changes and taught to use this new class. 5. Large AK conversion option “Convert to Q Ship (ML) has now been renamed to “Convert to Armed Merchant Cruiser”. 6. Depth Charge attributes now assigned correct historical values – sink rate, depth settings, and charge effect. Depth charge hits will now be more lethal (although ASW is still ineffective). 7. Class 108 Commerce Raider renamed to Auxiliary Cruiser. 8. Auxiliary Cruisers (classes 108 and 359) have had their mine complements reduced to 50, in two racks of 25 mines each. 9. All Delaware Class dreadnoughts (classes 182 and 1233) now have a correct secondary battery of 5in/50 Mk 6 guns instead of 5in/51 Mk 7 guns. 10. 1.3 Database Devices have been imported. This is the 99% final OOB device list for the 1.3 “Super Patch”. Changes from 1.2 OOB Devices are: o Device 52 5in/50 Mk 5 has been merged with device 5in/50 Mk 6 (the two were essentially the same weapon). Replaced by French 100mm/40 Mod 25 Gun. o Device 55 5in/40 Mk 2 has been removed from the game. Replaced by French 200kg Depth Charge. o Device 60 3in/23 Mk 11 AA Gun renamed to the more common 3in/23 Mk 14 AA Gun. o Device 64 3in/50 Mk 3 Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by the US Mk 5 Y-gun with Mk 3 Depth Charges. o Device 86 7.5in/50 Mk II Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by Japanese Type 88 Depth Charge. o Device 93 4.7in/50 Mk I gun renamed to 4.7in/45 Mk I gun. o Device 94 4in/50 BL Mk VIII Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by 21in Mk V Torpedo. o Device 96 4in/45 QF Mk V Gun renamed to 4in/45 GF HA MkV Gun. o Device 114 65mm (9pdr) Gun has been merged with Device 115 9pdr AA Gun. Now a DP weapon. o Device 115 replaced by US 8in/55 Mk 9 Gun. o Device 159 2pdr Pom Pom AA Gun renamed to 2pdr Mk VIII HA Gun. o Device 161 38cm/45 SK Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by US 21in Mk 11 Torpedo. o Device 162 30.5cm/50 SK Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by US 21in Mk 14 Torpedo. o Device 163 28cm/50 SK Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by Japanese 25cm Type 91 Torpedo. o Device 164 28cm/45 SK Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by British 4.7in/40 QF Mk VIII Gun. o Device 165 28cm/40 SK Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by British 21in Mk VII Torpedo. o Device 166 21cm/45 SK Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by US Mk 3 Depth Charge. o Device 167 17cm/40 SK Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by British 21in Mk IX Torpedo. o Device 168 15cm/45 Tbts gun has been renamed to 15cm/45 SK Gun (now a generic 5.9in gun). o Device 169 15cm/40 SK Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by French 400mm 26DA Aerial Torpedo. o Device 170 10.5cm/45 C32 Gun has been renamed to 10.5cm/45 Light Gun. Now a generic representation of all German 4.1in SP weapons. All other 10.5cm/45 guns sans Device 172 10.5cm/45 FlaK gun have been removed from the game. o Device 171 has been replaced by a French 7.5mm Dame MG. o Device 173 has been replaced by a French 155mm/50 Mod 20 Gun. o Device 174 has been replaced by a French 203mm/50 Mod 24 Gun. o Device 179 8.8cm/35 SK Gun has been removed from the game. Replaced by French 4.7in/45 QF Mk IX. o Device 109 Mk IIID Depth Charge Renamed to Type D* Depth Charge (A Japanese variant of the British Type D Mk III Depth Charge.) o Device 110 Mk III Depth Charge renamed to Type D Depth Charge (Represents British Type D Mk III Depth Charge). o Device 44 7in/45 Mk 2 replaced by .50cal M2 Machinegun (See notes below. 7in removed from Connecticuts in accordance with post 1919 refits, and .50cals replace the generic .30cal AA Machinegun in all US cruisers and battleships refitted during or after 1925.

11. All ASW load outs have been tweaked. All DC racks on large ships (smallest is the DD) are assumed to be the US Mark 1 DC Rack (or a variation thereof), which can hold a maximum of 8 300lb Charges or 6 600lb Charges. US Destroyers in there new ASW refits (1/23 and 1/27) have 5 round extensions, enabling an increase to 13 300lb Charges or 8 600lb Charges. Japanese Destroyers in their 12/29 refit change their 8 300lb British DCs for 10 200lb Type 88 DCs. Small US Ships (Eagle Boats, Bird MSWs, etc) use the Mark 4 DC rack, which hold 4 300lb charges. See notes below: o 200lb Charges include the Japanese Type 88 Depth Charge. o 300lb Charges include the British Type D, Japanese Type D*, US Mk 3 Depth Charge, and the US Mk 5 Y-Gun which uses the Mk 3 Depth Charge. o 600lb Charges include the US Mk 4 Depth Charge and the French 200KG Depth Charge (actually 441lbs, but is in the 600 class). o US Destroyers in their primary ASW refit receive the standard 6 rack charges, for a total DC compliment of 12. In their full ASW refit they receive extensions allowing 16 rack charges, as well as a Mk 5 Y-Gun with 12 reloads, for a full DC compliment of 40. o British and Japanese Destroyers have a total DC compliment of 16 Mk III Depth Charges, with the Japanese expanding to 20 DCs in their 12/29 refit. o Total French DC compliment is 12 (not modeled until 1.3). o Small US Ships and Patrol craft carry 4-8 DCs depending upon the number of DC racks. They may have as much as 10 if they carry a Y gun. o US Destroyer Minelayers (DM) now begin the game with a Mark 1 DC rack with 8 Mk 3 DCs (Total DCs: 16). In 1/23 or 1/27 they undergo an ASW refit, in which they change their Mk 3s for heavier Mk 4s (and thus have DC racks with 6 charges, for a total of 12). They also gain a Y gun, with 8 reloads, for a total DC allotment of 28, versus the standard flush deck allotment of 40). 12. All US Cruisers built after 1926, or all US Cruisers that undergo a refit after 1926 (including Lexington class Capital Cruisers) have their 21in Mk 9 Torpedoes replaced by 21in Mk 11 Torpedoes. 13. Removed 3in/23 Mk 14 AA Gun from Wickes class Destroyers (Gun is re added in the 1/23 and 1/27 ASW refits. Historically removed in 1920s, although it was retained on the Clemsons.) 14. On all US “Flush Deck” or “1000 ton” Destroyers so equipped (Clemsons, Connors, Caldwells, Tuckers, and late war Wickes), the 3in/23 Mk 14 AA Gun’s arc has been changed from Center to Rear. 15. All variations of the Clemson Destroyer are now just named Clemson. To see the individual class differences (single 4in/50, twin 4in/50, or single 5in/51) see the individual ship. Also all Clemson variations receive the same 1/23 refit, acquiring 40 DCs in racks and Y-guns. 16. Class 256 Charles Ausburne has been added. This is a Clemson class destroyer that in 1923 carried a Martin MS-1 Seaplane. In post 1923 scenarios she appears as a regular Clemson class destroyer. 17. In accordance with post WWI modifications, all US Submarines are now equipped with at least a single AA Machinegun. 18. The US S class submarine has been changed, and further subdivided. The S class is now divided into the following classes: o Class 228 S-48 (S-48 to S-51) Lake Type boats designed with 5 21in tubes. o Class 229 S-42 (S-42 to S-47) Improved Electric Boat subs, improved S-18s. o Class 232 S-18 (S-18 to S-41) Electric Boat subs, improved Holland type. o Class 283 S-10 (S-10 to S-13) Lake Boats redesigned with 5 tubes, very cramped compared to S-48s, as they are essentially S-3s with the 5th tube added in. o Class 230 S-3 (S-3 to S-9, S-14 to S-17) Lake Boats o Class 231 S-2 (S-2 only) Lake Built prototype S boat. o Class 257 S-1 (S-1 only) Holland type, carries experimental MS-1 Seaplane. Built by Electric Boat, forerunner of S-18 class. o All S boats undergo refits in 1925 to carry Mk 10 mines. o All S Classes tweaked for correct range and tactical diameter. Lake, EB, and Government boats all have different specs. 19. The US R class submarines are now (with the exception of R-21) correctly fitted with 21in tubes, and have a correct 3in/50 Mk 10 Deck Gun. The class has been broken up into its various Lake and Electric Boat classes as follows: o Class 227 R-1 (R-1 to R-20) Electric Boat Built o Class 262 R-21 (R-21 only) Lake Built Boat with 18in Tubes. o Class 275 R-21 (R-22 to R-27) Lake Built Boats with 21in Tubes. o All R boats tweaked for correct range. Lake boats have a shorter range but a higher cruise speed than the EB boats. 20. The US O class Submarine has been broken up into the following classes: o Class 228 O-1 (O-1 to O-10) Electric Boat Built. o Class 260 O-11 (O-11 to O-16) Lake Built Boats. o In addition, the O boats have now correctly been fitted with 3in/23 Mk 9 Deck guns. o All O classes tweaked for correct range and cruise speeds. All Lake Boats are assumed to be decommissioned in 1924, as they are inferior to the EB boats. 21. The US L class Submarine has been broken up into the following classes: o Class 230 L-1 (L-1 to L-4) Electric Boat Built. o Class 289 L-5 (L-5 to L-8) Lake Built Boats. o Class 306 L-9 (L-9 to L-11) Electric Boat Built. o In addition, all US L boats have been renamed, losing their “AL” designations. o All L classes tweaked for correct range and cruise speeds. 22. The US K class Submarine has been broken up into the following classes: o Class 231 K-1 (K-1 to K-4) Electric Boat Built o Class 351 K-5 (K-5 to K-8) Lake Built o All K boats tweaked for correct range and cruise speeds. 23. The US H class Submarine has been broken up into the following classes: o Class 232 H-1 (H-1 to H-3) Electric Boat o Class 310 H-4 (H-4 to H-9) Lake Built 24. The G3 Battlecruiser (Class 276) secondary battery changed to 4.7in/40 QF Mk VIII Gun. 25. Paulding class destroyer armaments changed, now reduced to five 3in/50s in different arcs. (F, RS, LS, C, and R arcs). 26. Aicraft # 012 Mitsubishi C1M1 renamed to Mitsubishi 2MR1. 27. Aircraft #101 Gloster Grebe Mk I has been removed from the game. This aircraft was never carrier capable, and the land variant Grebe Mk II (Aircraft #144) was far more common. 28. Removed Torpedo Tubes from Wickes class Destroyer Minelayers. 3in/23 Mk 14 also removed, added in 1/23 and 1/27 ASW refits. 29. Adjusted AI in all campaigns: Should now be more aggressive in post Philippine Operations, and in 1926 scenarios will get more units ashore (AI was previously diverting Vigan and Lingayen invasion TFs, and their units were not getting ashore). 30. All US Battleship classes rearmed, to show effects of post WWI 1919 modification, the 1920 AA gun modification, the 1921 full battery modification, and to better show effects of 1928 reconstructions (Previously many ships were in their 1918 fits, and their reconstruction armament included 3in/50s not readded until the 1930s. Changes: 31. South Dakota 18inch now completed to 1921 Full Battery specs. 6in/53s now divided on each side to six on the main deck level and two open mounts on the 01 level, and has 8-3in/50 Mk 10s and no machine guns. Reconstructed in 1928, Loses one 6in/53 on the main deck level and the 3in/50s, gains 8 5in/25s and 8-.50cal M2 Machineguns. 32. South Dakotas now completed to 1921 Full Battery specs. 6in/53s now divided on each side to six on the main deck level and two open mounts on the 01 level, and has 8-3in/50 Mk 10s and no machine guns. Reconstructed in 1928, Loses one 6in/53 on the main deck level, the 3in/50s, and the two TT, gains 8 5in/25s and 8-.50cal M2 Machineguns. 33. In the Colorado class 1928 refits, the 8-3in/50s are removed and 8-.50cal M2 Machineguns added. 34. In the Tennessee class 1923 now looses a 5in/51 from the 01 level and 4-3in/50s are added, achieving the 1921 “maximum” battery of 12-5in/51s and 8-3in/50s. In 1928 refit now all TT and 3in/50 are removed and 8-.50cal M2 Machineguns added. 35. In New Mexico 1923 refit, now achieves the “full battery,” loosing two 5in/51s from the 01 level and gaining 4 more 3in/50s. 36. The Pennsylvania class 1923 refit has been moved to 1924 (historically these were the last ships modified, being done in 1925-1926). Also they lose 2 5in/51s from the 01 level and gain the full battery of 8-3in/50s. In 1928 gains 8-5in/25s and 8-.50cal M2 Machineguns and lose all 3in/50s. 37. The Nevada’s secondary 5in/51s are now separated to main deck and 01 level guns. They now undergoes catapult refit in 1922 (Nevada and Oklahoma were the second and third battleships to receive catapults, the Maryland being the first in May 1922). In this refit, they achieve the maximum battery of 12-5in/51 and 8-3in/50. In the 1928 refit, they lose their 3in/50 and gain 8-5in/25 and 8-.50cal M2 Machineguns. 38. The New York class now has their 5in/51 battery split between the main deck (14 guns) and 01 level (2 guns). They also have the 1922 AA battery of 8-3in/50 in four arcs. Two are mounted on the 01 level, 2 on the derrick posts (these are the RS and LS arcs), and have two guns each on Q and X turrets (Turrets 3 and 4). In 1926 reconstruction 3in/50 battery is resited to the blister added to the hull. 39. The Wyoming class is now reconstructed similar to the New Yorks. The 5in/51s are separated into main deck and 01 levels, and they gain 8-3in/50 AA. 40. The Florida’s and Delawares now have their 5in/51s and 5in/50s separated, and have 8-3in/50AA in 1922. In their reconstructions, they become a nearly homogenous class, with the Delaware’s 14-5in/50 being replaced by 14-5in/51s. 41. The South Carolina’s armament has been redone, her 3in/50 SP guns being separated into 10 at the main deck level and four at the 01 level. In addition her 2-3in/23s have been replaced by 3in50 AA guns. In 1925 her TT are removed and her 3in/50 SP guns at the 01 level are replaced by 3in/23 AA guns, giving her a final armament of 8-12in, 10-3in/50 SP, 8-3in/50 AA, and 4-.50cal M2 Machineguns. 42. In accordance with 1919 modifications, In the Vermont and Connecticut classes the 7in/45 guns have been removed. In addition, the 3in/23 AA guns have been replaced by 2-3in/50 Mk 10s in RS and LS arcs. In their 1925 refits, they surrender their aft most 8in turrets, and have four 3in/50 AA added (this is similar to their WWI modifications). Final armament becoming 4-12in/45s, 4-8in/45s, 12-3in/50 SP, 6-3in/50 AA, 4 MG. 43. The Virginia class has had their 3in/23 replaced by 2-3in/50 AA in different arcs. In 1925, they surrender their broadside 8in turrets (as they did in WWI) and gain 4 more 3in/50 AA, final armament resembling the Vermonts with 4-12in/40, 4-8in/45s, 8-3in/50 SP, 6-3in/50 AA, and 4 MG. 44. In the Maine, Kearsarge, and Illinois class pre dreadnoughts, the 2-3in/23 AA Guns have been replaced by 2-3in/50 AA. 45. Two 6in/50 guns have been removed from the St. Louis class, reflecting a 1919 armament of 12 guns. 46. The 3in/23 AA Guns in the Charlotte class have been replaced by 3in/50 Mk 10s. 47. In the San Diego class, the 8in/40s have been replaced by correct 8in/45s. The 3in/23s are also replaced by 3in/50 AA guns. 48. In the Brooklyn and Rochester class cruisers, the 3in/23 AA guns have been replaced by 3in/50s. In addition, the number of mounts has been lowered in Rochester from her WWI eight to a peacetime two. 49. In the Chester class cruisers, the as built 5in/50s are replaced by post WWI 5in/51s. 50. In the refits of US cruisers, additional 3in/50 AAs are added, and their arcs are now RS and LS versus Center. 51. A second New Mexico class has been added, to reflect the Idaho and Mississippi’s traditional power plants (versus New Mexico’s turbo electric). This mainly affects their range, see below. 52. All US Battleships range and fuel capacity have been tweaked. Fuel is now based on Full Load Displacement, or where applicable a “Battle Condition”. As such, US battleships are now short legged, and none can steam over 8500nm. After their reconstructions they could steam (in some cases) as much as 20,000nm, but only by using emergency tankage that tended in the oil burning dreadnoughts to range from about 5,000 to almost 6,000 tons, just under 3 times the standard allotment used in combat conditions, as such with this maximum tank capacity they were not battle ready and would have been a liability. Previously ranges were based on max range in peacetime cruises, while the fuel capacity was not. The max fuel allotment could not be used in combat, as most (over half) of the fuel would be in non floodable spaces (and hence prone to fire), and displacement would be around 3,000 tons higher, lowering speed to as little as 19 knots. Ranges are now: o Battleship 1923, Battleship 1917, South Dakota, South Dakota 18inch, Colorado, and Tennessee are now 8000nm/10knots with a fuel load of 2,100 tons oil. o Lexington class battlecruisers and Capital Cruiser 1916 design are now 8500nm/10knots with 2,100 tons oil. o New Mexico class (New Mexico only) 8000nm/10knots with 2,212 tons oil. o New Mexico class (Idaho and Mississippi) 8000nm/10knots with 2,800 tons oil (Mississippi historically 2,790, Idaho 2,850). o Pennsylvania class 7641/10knots with battle condition allotment of 2,198 tons oil. (Both before and after reconstruction). o Nevada class 6393/10knots with Full load displacement of 2,042 tons oil. After reconstruction becomes 6887/10knots with Full load displacement of 2,199 tons oil. o New York class 7060/10knots with 3,700 tons oil/coal. After reconstruction becomes 8376nm/10knots with full load displacement of 2,824 tons oil. o Wyoming class 6860nm/10knots with 2,900 tons oil/coal. After reconstruction becomes 7175nm/10knots with Full load displacement of 2,705 tons fuel. o Florida class 6720nm/10knots with 2900tons oil/coal. After reconstruction becomes 6846nm/10knots with Full load displacement of 2581 tons oil. o Delaware class 6700nm/10knots with 3,000tons of oil/coal. After reconstruction as Florida class. o South Carolina 6500nm/10knots with 2,600 tons oil/coal. o Vermont class 7590nm/10knots with 2,500 tons oil/coal. o Connecticut class 6620nm/10knots with 2,500 tons oil/coal. o Virginia class 4860nm/10knots with 2,031 tons oil/coal. o Maine class 5660nm/10knots with 2,200 tons oil/coal. o Kearsarge class 5070nm/10knots with 1,700 tons oil/coal. o Illinois class 4190nm/10knots with 1,500 tons oil/coal. o Iowa 5140nm/10knots with 1,640 tons oil/coal. o Indiana 5640nm/10knots with 1,475 tons oil/coal. 53. Lowered build rates on following weapons: o 15pdr Krupp 00 Gun o 76mm Gun M1902 o 75mm M.02.04 VD Gun o 75mm M.02.04 NM Gun o 82mm Mortar 54. Tillman IV-2 now has a 6/1928 refit. In as built (6/1927) the 6in/53s are separated on main deck and 01 level, and has maximum battery of 8-3in/50s. In new 1928 refit, the 3in/50s are replaced by 5in/25 and 8-.50cal M2 MGs are added, and the TT are removed 55. CC1916 class now has a 6/28 refit, where the 3in/50s are removed and 8-5in/25s and 8-.50cal M2 Machineguns. 56. Kasuga and Nisshin are now separate classes. Nisshin has the stock game’s 4-20cm guns, while Kasuga has a single 25cm gun and two 20cm guns.

Changes 1 through 5 are code related, and will take place on any games in progress. However, As the Auxilliary Cruiser is coded into the OOB as a CA in the previous patches, this will not take effect until the game is restarted. This is why with this patch (which started as mainly an attempt to get the resize bug fixed) I crammed so many OOB changes, so it wouldn't be a restart almost for nothing.

Oh, and since I know everyone is going to like the new AMC type, give a big thank you to Mike Wood for that one. I had asked shortly after release to rename the CLAA to AMC, a simple rename only. But he completely surprised me with the completly new class and abilities. So a big thank you to Mike!

after updating i compared the AMC's to the Q-ships for both japan and usa and as far as i can tell the AMC is easily twice the ship Q-ships are. so except for better AA why would anyone waste time building even 1 Q-ship? they both have the same anti-sub and the AMC has MUCH deadlier guns PLUS a pile of mines. just curious!

Well Q ships are defensive in nature: their main reason for being is to attack submarines that hit convoys. As they carry DCs, a supposed unprotected convoy can become a deathtrap for submarines.

AMCs are designed more for offensive capability and minelaying. They should be used to attack enemy convoys or small ships, lay mines, and be used as ersatz cargo ships. They can attack (or rather defend against) submarines, but their primary function is to prey on merchant shipping (this will be REALLY useful in 1.3's production on scenarios).

As to the pile of mines.... crap, they were supposed to have 25 reloads for 50 mines total, not 100. Oh well, that'll have to wait for the 1.3 patch I guess. So I guess ignore change number 8... Still that's a lot better than 1.20's 240 mine complement.